Is Ant McPartlin actually secretly working on I’m A Celeb?

McPartlin was replaced by Holly Willoughby on the jungle reality TV show
Double act: Ant McPartlin with Declan Donnelly
ITV
Emma Powell30 November 2018

An ITV presenter has claimed Ant McPartlin has been involved with the current series of I’m A Celebrity, despite stepping down from his presenting role.

McPartlin handed over the reins to Holly Willoughby after he announced plans to take a break from screens until 2019 following a drink-driving charge and a stint in rehab.

But weather presenter Emma Jesson has claimed McPartlin is busy working behind the scenes on scripts.

She tweeted: “I am informed that Ant was consulted for scripted Holly & Dec links for @imacelebrity series 2018 #imacelebrity⁠ ⁠ #ImACeleb⁠ ⁠ @Ant_McPartlin @antanddec ... top move production team if this is the case, can see his hallmarks there.”

A representative for ITV declined to comment.

Willoughby made her debut on the show last week alongside Declan Donnelly.

But she’s been struggling to cope with the gruesome Bushtucker Trials and was last night trying not to retch as two campmates took part in an eating challenge.

Willoughby was left doubled over behind co-host Donnelly as Malique Thompson-Dwyer chowed down on blended vomit fruit for the Dreaded Deliveries challenge.

The Hollyoaks star, 20, grimaced and gagged on the smelly meal – but it was Willoughby who struggled.

I'm a Celebrity .. Get Me Out of Here! 2018 - In pictures

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The TV star couldn’t watch as she came close to being sick in the bushes.

Willoughby is reported to have doubled her ITV pay cheque to £5 million with her three-week stint Down Under.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: “ITV want to make it clear that she is theirs and they are prepared to pay her for it.

“With the exception of Ant and Dec, Holly is their most popular and well-known presenter – and they see her as their main appeal to the female market.”

I’m A Celebrity is on ITV, tonight at 9pm

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